An oil company executive has denied claims that an estimated 50,000 gallon fuel spill caused a rotten egg smell in the Ferry Reach area.

But local residents say the smell is becoming more constant.

"It was really bad this week," said Diana Lynn who lives in the area around Richardson's Bay. "It is now pretty much a constant at low tide each day."

The Royal Gazette recently revealed that global fuel giant Shell, which has its Bermuda headquarters in Ferry Reach, had a kerosene spill in August where as much as 50,000 gallons of fuel may have been lost.

But Shell General Manger John Vickerman denied the smell had anything to do with the spill and said it was "premature to draw that conclusion".

He said: "(Shell) confirms that no scientific evidence has been received to date to connect the smell with the spillage."

He further said if the smell and the spillage is connected, "remedial" action would be undertaken.

Shell has hired an independent external consultant, Environmental Resource Management, to investigate and analyse the environmental impact, said Mr. Vickerman.

"ERM is in the process of finalising their report, which will be reviewed immediately with the Ministry of Environment. (Shell) has been advised by it's regional environmental expert that there is neither threat to human health nor the environment," he added.

And neighbouring Esso - on whose land the bulk of the kerosene which spilled from a Shell pipeline feeding jet fuel to the airport is thought to be located - is moving to correct what those living in Ferry Reach have dubbed "the Shell Smell".

Last week Government Environment Officer Dr. Tom Sleeter told The Royal Gazette that Esso was "being proactive" in beginning clean-up efforts although the company bears no direct responsibility for the spill.

The Royal Gazette understands that Esso have now hired outside consultants of their own and are booking drilling rigs in order to begin alleviating the stench.

"We are putting together a plan of action to address the odour," said Esso general manager Ed Edelson yesterday.

Mr. Edelson said Esso's proposed strategy was currently being reviewed by the Ministry of the Environment.

In simple terms the plan calls for drilling through the land along Ferry Road where the spill is located in order to pump air into the ground water.

The hope is that aerating the water will avoid chemical reactions resulting in the formation of Hydrogen Sulphide - a chemical which emits a distinctive "rotten eggs" odour. It is believed the fuel may be interfering with natural chemical processes in the area to create higher levels of hydrogen sulphide.

The ERM report is also expected to give more insight into where the kerosene that was spilled is actually located.

Dr. Sleeter said last week that he expected to see the initial results of that study this week but The Royal Gazette has been unable to reach him to confirm whether the report is in.